in buffalo ny i have learned over the years: a hot water hose broke a
plastic pressure washer, it was not rated for hot water. a huge chunk
of ice on a shallow pitched upper porch during a thaw crashed into and
broke the first floor deck, we repaired it that spring. we have tried
to use a hot water hose out the second floor window but it does not put
much of a dent in the sidewalk snowpiles or ice, and it runs out to
cold before you have had any fun with it. at this moment your upcoming
four days rising into the sunny 40's are nightly complicated by
freezing nights, and the wind chill factor is a hidden danger to water
piper in exterior walls which don't belong there.
if the roof rafters are not insulated and there is a doorway to the
attic, open it and you will safely send up extra heat from the home to
the shingles, although electric roof de-icers may be in your future
next fall. you will generally find them sold out in the present winter
you are having. any other way to do an attack on the ice is generally
unsafe. buy the roof size giant tarps to cover any damage in advance
before you cause it. they may be sold out. it's only a good day for
watching tv when your temp is 25F and the wind chill is 2 degrees. do
not use a ladder at this temperature.
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/forecast...80201&metric=0
and hourly forecasts at:
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/forecast...our=7&hbhday=1


terry wrote:
Reed wrote:
With the Denver area undergoing an unusually long cold spell, ice has
built up fairly solid in the gutters, and on lower shingles, on the
north side of house. The south side does get just enough sun to have
melted OK. In 20 years in this house, this has not happened before.

Is there a best way to remove this ice before any damage is done,
particularly if it ever warms up again around here ??

The gutter and eaves are first floor, easily reachable with ladder on
ground.

--reed
.
Remove gutters. No further problems.